Gales blow down bridge

The footbridge at Hoswick beach has been left looking in a sorry state following last night’s gales.

Sandwick resident Juan Brown looks on at the devastation caused by the strong winds. South-easterly gales, perhaps at times severe, are expected to develop tomorrow with NorthLink ferry sailings again under review and “likely to be cancelled”.

The heavy winds caused damage at the Lerwick Hotel on Friday evening, when the plastic dome above the central foyer cracked and came loose.

Regional manager Marjory Barrie said the damage was spotted at about 6pm and contractors were called in to work on the roof. She said: “The high winds caught it [the dome] and it kept working its way, and cracked and it came down.”

The hotel was able to get contractors to work on the damage quickly. The area was cordoned off while contractors worked on making the building wind and water tight. Meanwhile normal service continued in the bar and restaurant. “The rest of the hotel was cosy and warm,” said Ms Barrie.

“All’s good now, so we are lucky.” She said permanent repairs would be made to the dome, which has been there since the hotel was built, after Up-Helly-A’.